Japanese Emperor Hirohito’s gold gift to Scottish banker being sold

A SET of gold sake bowls given to a Scottish banker by Japanese Emperor Hirohito is set to fetch thousands of pounds at auction in Edinburgh next month.

John Rae, from Aberdeenshire, had played a crucial role in negotiating funds for Japan following the Great Kanto ­earthquake of 1923, in which more than 142,000 people died.

He was presented with the Imperial Order of the Rising Sun – 2nd Class, the highest ­honour permitted to non-Japanese ­nationals and also received the precious sake bowls.

The Edinburgh Assay Office, which specialises in precious metal hallmarks, has confirmed that the bowls are “constructed of gold with a fineness greater than 999 parts per thousand.”

The Imperial gifts will be sold along with Mr Rae’s archive at Bonhams’ Asian Art Sale in ­Edinburgh on 15 November, when they are expected to fetch at least £8,000.

Ian Glennie, Bonhams’ head of Asian Art, said: “These are ­Imperial gifts, and could go back to Japan where they will appeal to the higher echelons.

“We might also expect ­interest from collectors of ­Imperial items, banks and ­museums.”

The Scottish seller, who ­wishes to remain anonymous, said: “John Rae was from ­Aberdeen, and was one of the top bankers in the country.

“He left the bowls to his daughter when he died. I hope they find a good home.”